Advisory Council

Recent technology developments are creating new innovative business models and IP that reach further into the global fabric of western society. To protect and promote free market and western democratic values, we need a “country and company” strategy to address competition from China. To be effective, this strategy must combine U.S. domestic and International efforts.

Focusing on innovation, learning about emerging technologies, and preparing transformational leaders for a future of potentially complex situations has never been more critical. I am proud to join the advisory council for the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue.

Innovation is crucial to America’s mission to advance freedom globally. Our adversaries actively seek to steal our innovations any way they can. I experienced first hand as our laptops were disassembled with goal of copying all memory systems while our team was occupied with our Chinese “hosts”. I am proud to be a part of the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue and fully support this mission.

We live in an interconnected world and technology is such a powerful tool that continues to be weaponized by many seeking absolute power. The 21st century continues to redefine our geopolitical borders – which also includes technology, and I’m honored to be joining others to reach across borders and use technology for the common good. Never have the lines been more blurred to build diplomatic relationships with other countries who share a common interest: to place our people and values at the forefront and ensure the safety and security of all involved.

Telecom CEOs need to know what is in the technology they install in their networks. Built upon non-partisan tech statecraft and global partnerships, the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue's Clean Network initiative provides industry leaders a way they can trust that the hardware and softwaфTelecom CEOs need to know what is in the technology they install in their networks. Built upon non-partisan tech statecraft and global partnerships, the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue's Clean Network initiative provides industry leaders a way they can trust that the hardware and software they use for fifth- and future-generation mobile networks will advance democratic values and principles.

Communist leadership poses the greatest threat to democracy. Technology is the key not only to protect but advance freedom. The Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue is well positioned to lead the collaboration necessary in this effort.

Ken served as the U.S. Ambassador to Sweden from 2019 - 2021. During his tenure, Ken promoted joint U.S. and Swedish interests across a variety of policy areas.

As the former Israeli national security advisor and a physicist who managed governmental technology units and projects - I am particularly attentive to the opportunities and risks of advanced technologies to the national security of liberal democracies. Our innovative cultures have handed the world the most sophisticated and creative platforms, but at the same time our shared liberal values provide our adversaries with the methods to infiltrate our societies and crumble us from within. It is time to find solutions to mitigate those risks while keeping the tech eco-systems vibrant and productive. It is the responsibility of us all, governments, institutions and companies, to act before it's too late.

In Taiwan, we traditionally looked at the development of high-tech industry from the mere perspectives of science and technology. However, with the changes in international geopolitics, science and technology have crossed national borders and transcended the gap amongst people and policies that ultimately bring impacts on society stability, diplomacy and mutual trust. It becomes clear therefore that in Taiwan’s next phase of high tech development, we cannot ignore the connections and effects in other related disciplines resulting from the advancement of science and technology, such as laws and regulations, finances and managements, social impacts, global relationships, etc. Consequently, as a higher education institution we must also conduct education and research in these highly specific but relevant fields critical to technology-driven industrial transformation.

American technology and innovation has been a key strategy in making the United States the world’s foremost superpower. Countries around the world continue to chase us to try and negate this tremendous advantage. It is imperative that we not only maintain the advantage but expand it. We must continue to be in a position of strength in technology and innovation. I am excited that the Krach Institute for Technology is laser focused on ensuring Tech Diplomacy remains a critical component in ensuring America’s strength, both now and in the future.